Visiting the Maryland MVA: appointments, what to bring and what to expect
How to use myMVA and self-service kiosks to skip a Maryland MVA visit, how to book a branch appointment, which documents and payment to bring, and what the MVA offers for accessibility and language help.
Guide · Maryland · Appointments · updated October 29, 2026
In Maryland, driver's licenses, ID cards, vehicle titles and registration are all handled by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), part of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). The MVA serves customers online through myMVA, at self-service kiosks, at its branch offices, and at Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) stations. This guide covers how to avoid a visit, how to book one, and what to bring.
Where you can get service
- MVA branch offices: full-service offices around the state, such as Annapolis, Baltimore City, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Glen Burnie, Largo and Salisbury. Branches are closed on state holidays; the MVA posts closures on its holidays and closings page.
- Self-service kiosks: the MVA says many branches now have 24/7 kiosks for quick transactions, with no appointment needed.
- VEIP emissions testing stations: walk-in, no appointment needed. Some have kiosks.
For offices near you, see the Maryland office list on this site, and check the MVA's branch locator for details. The MVA also publishes a Locations Dashboard that shows current wait times by branch.
Check whether you need to visit at all
The MVA says you can complete more than 60 transactions online with myMVA, at any time and without an appointment. It encourages you to start online whenever possible. Online services include:
- Renewing a license or ID card
- Applying for a learner's permit (the pre-application) and scheduling a driving test
- Tracking a license, ID or sticker order
- Renewing a vehicle registration
- Paying vehicle flags
- Requesting a duplicate title
- VEIP services such as finding your test due date or requesting an extension
A myMVA account also shows your vehicle and license records, MVA correspondence and renewal dates. The MVA offers Maryland Mobile ID, a digital version of your license or ID for your phone.
Appointments
The MVA says appointments are recommended for branch office visits. Book them online through myMVA; the "Make an appointment" link is on the MVA home page. When you book, you usually complete a pre-application, which tells you what to bring.
- New residents can book a "New to Maryland" appointment. You choose from: driver's license only; driver's license, title and registration; title and registration only; out of country; or returning to Maryland. The MVA says you can handle your license and your vehicle in one visit.
- Driving tests: the knowledge test and the driving skills test are scheduled through myMVA.
- ID cards: teens aged 15 to 17 can come to an ID card appointment without an adult, but they must bring all REAL ID documents.
The MVA's appointment pages do not say whether branches take walk-ins for other services, so book ahead.
What to bring
The MVA asks for original documents only. Copies, scans and photocopies are not accepted. For a license or ID card you typically need:
- Proof of age and identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport or Permanent Resident Card.
- Proof of Social Security number, such as your Social Security card, or a W-2, pay stub or 1099 showing your full number.
- Two proofs of Maryland residency with your name and Maryland address. Examples include utility bills, bank statements, a lease, an insurance card or a property tax bill. The name must match your identity document.
- Name change documents, if your name has changed. Update your name with the Social Security Administration first and wait at least 72 hours before visiting the MVA.
Applicants under 18 must also show proof of a parental relationship or dependency, such as a tax return or health insurance card. The MVA's online Document Guide (Document Selector) tells you exactly which documents apply to you. For background, see REAL ID explained.
Forms
The MVA suggests starting with its online pre-application, which tells you what to bring. If you title a vehicle without the online pre-application, bring a completed Certificate of Title Application (VR-005). See the Maryland vehicle registration and title guide.
Paying
The MVA says it accepts:
- Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express
- Mobile wallet payments
- Cash
- Checks made payable to the Motor Vehicle Administration
Checks must have an imprinted name and address, and must show your driver's license number and a home or work phone number.
At the counter
- Photo: the MVA takes your photo when you apply for an ID card, and again when a change such as a new name requires it.
- Vision: you must meet vision standards. New residents need a vision screening from within the previous 24 months.
- Tests: knowledge and skills tests are given by the MVA. For a skills test, bring proof of registration and insurance for your vehicle. Details are in the Maryland driver license and ID card guide.
- Cards are mailed: the MVA says all driver's licenses and ID cards are mailed and cannot be printed on site. They arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Some items, such as registration stickers, may be issued the same day.
Accessibility and language help
To request an ADA accommodation, use the ContactMVA form in myMVA and choose "Accommodations for Customers with Disabilities". If you do not have a Maryland license or ID, contact the MVA directly. Testing accommodations include extended time, an oral reader, a screen reader and, for the driving test, a sign language interpreter.
Video remote interpreting can be requested through myMVA or at a branch information counter. The TTY line for the hearing impaired is 1-800-492-4575.
The Class C knowledge test is offered in English, Spanish, American Sign Language and more than a dozen other languages. Spoken language interpreters are permitted for noncommercial tests. The interpreter's fee is arranged between you and the interpreter, unless you are hearing impaired, in which case the MVA pays.